All politicians are beholden to lobbyists, corporate and special interest donors, and the polls. That's true on both sides of the aisle.

That said, I'm slightly disappointed in Obama in this one particular issue (siding with RIAA).

Both parties are very influenced by their corporate donors and lobbyists. But the Republicans tend to be more sympathetic to corporate interests than Democrats. Witht that in mind, I would have expected Obama to be more balanced on the RIAA issue, and be more sympathetic to consumer rights, and fair use rights. But in this case, Obama is blinded by RIAA money and lobbying.

Yes, the lines are often blurred, due to "politicians being politicians".

But, to those who are saying Obama is more of the same ol thing (after Bush), there already are some important differences:

- Obama is not giving big tax breaks to the rich.
- Obama is refocusing efforts away from Iraq and towards Pakistan and Afghanistan, Al Qaida strongholds.
- Obama is pouring money into alternative energy R&D
- Obama is investing in infrastructure
- Obama is reversing Bush policy on stem cell research, and stating "we won't ignore science in favor of poltical idealology".
- Obama is actively soliciting bipartisan support for legislation, in direct contrast to Bush's "f#%& you, you're either with us, or against us" stance. True, many of the Republicans are still being obstructionist, and even the Dems are giving resitence to some policies. But Obama is actually trying.

And there are plenty of other examples.

Although I'm disappointed in Obama in this RIAA thing, and I don't think Obama is "all that and a bag of chips" (he's another politician), I am mildly pleased with what he's doing so far. It's a breath of fresh air after 8 years of Bush.